Description
A quick and delicious Creamy Chicken Carbonara recipe featuring tender chicken breast, crispy bacon, and a silky Parmesan egg sauce tossed with al dente pasta. This comforting Italian-inspired dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner and can be enhanced with fresh herbs and vegetables like peas or spinach.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Main Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 slices bacon or pancetta, chopped
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Additional Ingredients
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (for spicy kick)
- Peas, spinach, or asparagus (for extra veggies)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Crisp the Bacon: In the same pan, add the chopped bacon or pancetta and cook until crispy. Remove excess fat if needed, leaving just enough to enhance the flavor.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Slowly drizzle in some hot reserved pasta water while whisking to temper the eggs and create a silky sauce without scrambling.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked pasta to the pan with the bacon and chicken. Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta and quickly stir to coat everything evenly. Add more reserved pasta water as needed until the sauce reaches a creamy, luscious consistency.
- Final Seasoning: Taste the carbonara and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Parmesan cheese as desired. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest and most flavorful.
Notes
- Tempering the egg yolks with hot pasta water is essential to prevent scrambling and achieve a smooth sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- You can add vegetables like peas, spinach, or asparagus for extra nutrition and color.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to taste.
- Serve immediately as the sauce is best enjoyed fresh and creamy.
